Mining system and apparatus



E. C. MORGAN MINING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS 8 Sheets-Sheet N@ A s .Fam 29 91924,

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E. C. MORGAN -MINlNG SYSTEMl AND APPARATUS -MML'MM yatented Jan. 29,1924.

Uuirsn ls'ra'riss PATENT oFFicE.

EDMUNI) C. MORGAN, 0F NEW YORK, N. Y.; OLIVE EUGENIE MORGAN SAID EDMUNDC.` MORGAN, DEOEASED.

ExEcUrnIx or MINING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS.

Application led December 28, 1919.- Serial No. 346,902.

'To a] Z Iwhom it may concern.'

Be it` known that l, EDMUND C. Monnaie, a citizen of the United States,and residing in New York city, county of New` York, and.

' Y Alarly adapted for the mining of coal. @ne

ot' the objects of my invention is the provision of improved apparatusfor facilitating lthe mining and loading of material, particularly coal,in a. mine. A further object of the .invent-ion is the provision ofimproved apparatus for facilitating the mining and loading of materialand controlling the subsidence of the roof in the mine chamber after themining operations have been c0m.

pleted. Another object of the invention is the provision of a. system ofmining in' which the roof is supported as the mining proceeds and inwhich the subside-nce of the roof is effected along predetermined linesand at pre-determined positions.

Another object of my invent-ion is the provision of means for supportingcoinpactly roof propping mechanism. A further object is the provision ofmeans for carrying electric trolley wire for mine cars, in such a mannerVthat as the mining proceeds and the mine tracks 'are extended, suchtrolley wires may be accordingly extended. Another object of theinvention is the provision of a. system and apparatus for handling thematerial received from the mining and loadin operations, andtransporting such materia out of the mine chamber.

A further object ot' the invention is the provision oi a system forcarrying out a retreating method ,of mining in which .entries are drivenhorizontally in opposite directions from a vertical shaft. and thenremoving the material adjacent butt entries at the ends of the mainentries and over a wide area while working toward the said shaft andleaving the roof free to subside while controlling the subsidence of theroof s0 that continuons mining and loading operations will not beinterfered with. The method of mining consists in producing the'inainentries and then the butt entries, -the latter each time leaving'apillar which is removed before other butt entries adjacent thereto areproduced,- and as the mining approaches the vertical shaft a system ofroof props is employed to control the subsidence of the roof where thecoal has been removed. Other objects of the invention will appearhereinafter, the novel features and ucombinations being set forth in theappended claims.

'Referring to the accompanying drawings, Fig. l represents a plan viewof a part of my limproved system of handling coal after tion, ofproviding extensible trolley wires for electric mine locomotives, and ofproviding means for transporting roof propping .l

mechanism;

` Fig. 2 1s an elevational view-of F 1g. l.;

Fig. 3 is a sectional elevation taken on.

the line, 3 3 looking in the directionof the arrows and omitting theroof pro ping mechanism as well as the' mine car an conveyor tofacilita-te illustrationvofthe meclil ani'sm carrying the roof propsandthe trolley wire reels; I

F ig. 4 is a sectional view taken on the line 1- t of Fig. 1, looking inthe direction of the arrows;

Fig. 5 is a sectional elevation taken on the line 5 5 of Fig. 1 and'looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 6 is an elevational view of the porjtion of the corrugatedpartition shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 7 is a plan view of a section of partition together withoverlapping extensions of adjacent partitions; I

`Fig. 8 is a sectional plan view Ataken on the line 8 8 of Fig. 6 toillustrate the overlapping of the edges of adjacent partitions.

Fig. 9. shows the supplemental partition adapted to be placed betweenthe spacedapart cross beams between the`ro0f and the upper edge of the.corrugated partition;

Fig. 10 is a plan view of loading' apparatus which is adaptedtocooperate with the system of mechanism shown in Fig. 1;

liti

Fig. 11 is a plan view of a modified loading apparatus adapted for useover a larger area than in Fig. but, like the latter, adapted for use,with the lsystem of apparatus shown in Fig. 1; Y

Fig. 12 illustrates the method of minlng to which my improved system 1sparticularly adapted', the subsidence of the roof taking place over theareas illustrated at the ends of this view while the minlng and loadingoperations proceed toward the shaft at the center of-said view;

Fig. 13 is a plan view of the'systenrof roof props adapted to be located1n positlon to control the subsidence of the roof. t

Fig. 14 is an elevational view illustratlng the mode of operation of.the system of roof props shown in Fig.-13, in controlling the subsidenceofA the roof step by step;

Fig. is an end view of one of the roof props shown in Fig. 13;

Fig'. 16 is an elevational view, partly 1n section, of one of *hemultiple roof proppilllg devices shown in Fig. .13;

ig. 17 is an end elevational view of a modified roof propping device;

Fig, 18 is a, side elevation of the multiple roof propping device Shownin Fig. 17; and

Fig. 19 illustrates a modified arrangement of the series of roof propsshown in Fig. 13 together with mechanism for handling the rearspaced-apart roof supporting ac l Referring to Figsl and 2 of theaccompanying drawings I have diagrammatically illustrated a portion of a`loading machine having a supportingr frame 11 and a conveyer 12 whichis adapted to extend upwardly toward the rear` so as to deliver t emined material into a mine car (13) resting on the rails (14) of the ame(15).

Mounted on the frame. (15), as shown on Figs. 1 and 2, are spaced apartroof jacks (16 and 17) the plungersof which are pivotally connected tothe spaced-apart longitudinal rails (18 and 19) the rear ends of' whichare connected by the cross rod (20) ,to the center of which is connectedthe upper end of a plunger of a roof jack (21). The roof jacks 16, 17and 21) are preferably iuid pressure motors each provided with a pistonor plunger. When these hydraulic jacks are operated by Huid pres` surethe spaced apart rails or bars 18 and 19) are pressed against the roofto securely h old in placethe frame (15) and the parts mounted thereon.As the mining and loading operation proceeds the frame (15) may be movedin either direction as may be desired.

It will also be seen by referring to Fig. 1 that the frame (15) isprovide-d with switch tracks (22 and 23) extending from` the track (14)to the spaced-apart mine tracks (24 and 25)'. Switching rail sections(26 and 27) are mounted on the frame (15) las shown in Fig. 1 for thepurpose of directing cars from the track .(14) on to either of theswitches (22 or 23), or from either of the latter to the track 14. Inthe positions of the sections 26 and 27 shown in Fig. 1, the mine car 13may b e directed from the track 24 along the switch 22 onto the centraltrack 14 into a position where it can beloaded with material from theconveyor 12. If desired a communicating track 28 .may be located asshown in Fig. 1 so that a car may be transferred from. one of the tracks22 or 23 to the other whenever desired. However, the arrangementdescribed is desirable particularly to enable an elec- 't-ric locomotiveto bring into the mine chamber along'the track'25 a series of empty oarsand leave them on the track While the locomotive is moved across \aconnecting track 28. Its trolley pole being shifted from,4

the trolley wire extension 29 extending from the trolley wire 30 to theextension 31 on the other side of the track 28 and which is connected tothe trolley wire 32 adjacent the track 24. After the electric locomotivereaches the track 24 it' is in readiness to be connected to filled minecars or those loaded With mined material so that the latter may betransported along the track 24 out of the mine chamber in which themining operations are taking place To facilitate movement of the emptymine cars along the track 25 to the switch 23, rope winding mechanismmay be provided comprising a rope ydrum 33 and a rope 34 suitably guidedon a pulley 35 and connected at its free end to a hook 36 which Amay beattached to an empty mine car. By starting the motor which isdiagrammatically illustrated at in Fig. 1 a pull is exerted on the rope34 to more the empty mine car along the track 25 -to the switch 23 andalong-the latter to the track 14.

It should be noted that the track sections 26 and 27 are pivotedrespectively vat 46 and 47 to the frame 15 and provision is made fornormally holding the section 27 in contact with the rail 14. Through abracket 48 extending from the frame 15 passes a bar 49 on which is acollar 50 engaged by a spring 51 which also engages the bracket 48. Whena car passes along the switch 23 the flanges of its wheels on one sideof the -ing drum 53, a rope 54,

` the floor and transverse I-beams as shown' rasiert thel loaded minecars along the track 24 so that they can be more easily connected to theelectric locomotive to form a train, I have provided additional ropewinding mechanism comprising amotor 52, a windguide pulleys and 56, anda hook 57.

At the rear end of the frame 15 there is a platform at the lateral edgesof which are located vertical spaced apartlongitudinal plates 58 whichform an. open ended trough for receiving a considerable number of roofjacks 59 adapted to be placed in the mine chamber either directlybetween the floor and roof in 'suitable spaced-apart positions to serveas roof props or to be placed between in Fig. 2; also in Fig. 4.lplurality of such I-beams may be carried on the upper edges of thespaced-apart plates 58 as shown at 60 in Fig. 2. The roof props may bespaced apart as desired depending upon the character of material beingmined and the tendency ofthe roof to subside. ln some instances theI-beams may be of the lengthv indicated at 60 in Fig. 4 but if greatersupporting effect is desired such I-beams may be extended to the fullwidth of the entry or mine chamber as shown at' 60, and the ends of the-beams provided with additional upright props shown at 61 in4 Flg.

n the system shown in 1 and 2 the apparatus is such that the I- eams 60must be taken from their support, 58, andl placed manually between thevertical roof props 59 and the roof. 1n my co-pending application SerialNo. 377,415, filed November 9, 1921, for an improvement in system andapparatus for mining coal, 1 have shown apparatus by means of which thiswork may be done by power-operated mechanical means. rllhe l-beams 60may be moved-into proper positions step by step as occasion requires andthe said -beams may be forced against the roof by means of the roofprops or roof jacks as .illustrated in Figs. 2 and 4.

It'should also be noted that the spaced apart side tracks 24 and 25 maybe provided with a plurality of extensions 67 stacked on top o eachother as illustrated in Fig. 2.

Pivotally connected at `68 on both sides of the frame 15 on longitudinalspaced-apart parallel axes are laterally extending pushl plates 69adapted to engage the stacks of track extensions 67 on the forward. endsof the tracks 24 and 25 which have been already laid on the floor of themine chamber. It will thus be seen that when the loading machinestogether with the frame 15 are moved forwardlyihe push plates will alsobe moved forwardly and the track eX- tensions 67 will finally be movedo' the tracks 24 and 25 `and, this operation will permit the lowermosttrack extension to laid. This takes place at both sides of the minechamber.A

At any desired intervals additional track extensions may be stacked upon the ends of the tracks 24 and 25 and 'so also at SuchintervalsadditionalI-beams 60 and additional roof props or roof jacks 59 may beplaced in thereceiver 58. However, the supply of track extensions andthe 'supply of I-beams and roof jacks may be replenished at any timeeven during the continuance of the mining, loading and transportation ofthe coal from the mine chamber.

At the sides of, the vertical plates 58 are mounted reels 70; forcarrying the trolley wires 30'and 32. As the mining operations progressthe trolley wires are paid out from the reels and suspended from `theends of the I-beams 60 by means of suitable-insu; lating mine hangers30, 32. This is illustrated diagrammatically in Figs. 4 and 5.

When desired advantage'may be taken of the presence o'f the spaced-apartroof jacks 59 to form Ventilating chambers, by means of-the overlappingsections of corru ated metal shown in Figs. 1. 6, 7 and 8. ach sectionis provided preferably with a handle such as indicated at 71 and 72 inFig. 6 by means of which the section may be located in proper positionrelative to a superposed overlapping section and when such sections havebeen adjusted to the positions shown in Fig. 6 they may be securedtogether by the bolts 73 and 74 which extend through holes -in onesection and vertical'longitudinal slots to lit against and overlap theadjacent edgesof adjacent sections 82 and 83 as shown in Fig. 7.

1n order to fill the space between the upper edges of the upper sectionsand the roof' of the mine chamber 1 have provided the roof partitionplates 84 provided with lower end angle irons or foot rests 86. 87 and88 in position to engage the lower flanges of the I-beams 60', as shownin Fig. 6. Similai roof partition plates v89 and 90 are located on theother sides of the I-beams. As the mining and loading operation proceedsthe ventilating partition may be extended to any distance along the minechamber that ma be desirable and the front end of the parti- A tion mayalways be located a .short distance back of the receiver 58.

In order that the corrugated sections may be in readiness to extendtheventilating partition forward toward the space where the mining andloading operationsv are taking place I have provided a sled or carrier91 connected b v a tow rope or cable 92 to the rear end of the frame 15or to the receiver 58 so that as the latter is moved forward the sled orcarrier 91 will also be moved forward between the spaced-apart rows ofroof jacks 59, 'as shown in Fig. 1. On the 25 a train of emptycars.

Referring to Fig. 10 it will be seen that I have shown a combined miningand loading machine for the rapid mining of coal from a mine chamberwhich is continually being len hened and enlarged. Such mining and loaing machine may comprise undercutting 'mechanism 95 and pick mechanism96 mounted'on a supporting frame work which also carrles an arcuatelyswlnglng receivlng conveyer which takes the broken down material anddelivers it to the hopper 98 so that the intermediate conveyer 99 maytransfer the material to the hopper 100 from which the material is takenby the conveyer 12 and delivered to the car 13. When the main frame 101of the mining and loading machine is moved to the dotted line positionshown in Fig. 10 the hopper 100 will occupy the position shown at 100and the mine car 13 will occupy the position shown at 13 after the frame15 has been moved forward to a new position. It should be noted that themining. and loading machine shown in Figs. 10 and 11 is particularlyadapted for performing both advancing and retreating operations. Whenthe machine is in the position shown in full lines in Fig. 10 advancingoperations may be carried on to produce the main entries 139, 140 andalso the butt entries 174. 175 and 176, 177. When retreating operationsare to be carried out the mining operations are extended laterally, asshown in dotted lines in Fig. 107 and such operations are continued. asshown in dotted lines in Fig. 11. This may be'done by the addition ofthe storage hopper conveyer designated 106 in Fig. 11. During theadvancing operations alon the main entries and along the butt entriesboth of the storage hopper conveyers 12 and 106 may be Listera used andwhen retreating operations are to be begun both of these storage hopperconveyers will be in readiness for transferring the dislodged materialto the mine car, as shown in Fig. 11. J

In Fig. 11 I-have shown amodiied mining and loading machine for veryrapid minin and loadin coal over a much larger area than is possibe bythe use of the mining and loading machine shown in Fig. 1,0. The dottedlines 102 indicate the various successive sections which have beendislodged Aand loaded prior to` the position which is represented infull lines. I

In the system shown in Fig. 11 asupplemental track 103 is laid in frontof the track 14 on the frame 15. This supplemental track is thus adapted.to form a continuation of the track 14 but. its principal function isto support the truck wheels 104 of the truck on whichthe hopper 105 ismounted. This hopper 105 is provided with a conveyer 106 for taking themined coal in the manner illustrated in Fig. 11 into the mine car13.

'l'he system of mining and loading coal shown in Fig. 11 is illustrateddia ammatically at 97, 99, 12 and 106 for de ivery of coal to the minecars on the tracks 24 and 25 (see Fig. 1). Fig. 12 also illustrates thereverse or retreating operation illustrated in full lines in Fig. 11 butin Fig. 12 this reverse operation is for `the purpose of removing thepillars 107 after the spaces 108,' 109, 110 and 111 have been mined ofcoal and the roofs permitted to subside.

In Figs. 13 to 18 inclusive Ihave shown multiple roof propping mechamsmpartlcularly adapted to controlling the subsidence of the root` oversuch portions where the mining of the coal has been completed, distantfrom the places where the mining and loading of the coal is continuing.This multiple roof propping mechanismy is preferably composed ofseparate individual lon and narrow frames 112, 112 each of whic isprovided with a series of roof jacks 113, 113. Each of the root` jacks113 comprises a hydraulic cylinder` 114 which is secured at 115 to thespaced-apart vertical plates 116 and 117 which in turn are secured attheir lowerends to the longitudinal U-shaped base piece 118. In thecylinder 114 is a plunger 119 which projects upwardly and carries at itsupper end a root` plate or shoe 120. V

Each of the cylinders 114 is provided at its bottom with a pipeconnection extending to the supply chamber 121. The pipes 122, 123 and124 which extend to the lower ends of the cylinders 114 are provided`with valves 125, 126 and 127, respectively. A supply pipe 128 extendsinto the tank 121 and this supply pipe is provided with a valve 129. Itwill thus be seen that fluid pressure, either liquid or gaseous, butprefmsnen erably liquid, may be supplied simultaneousl or independentlyto the individual roofyjacks 114. Y

The tank 121 is also provided with a n exhaust ipe 130 which isprovidedwith a controlingvalve 131. The roof 'acks shown in Fig.- 16 mayoperatedindividually into lanchoring positions or released positionsl bymanipulating the valves 125, 126 127, 129 and 131. When the valve 131kin the exhaust-pipe is closed and valves 125, 126 and 127 are open,theopening of the valve 129 in the supply pipe `will cause pressure to beexerted simultaneously in the three cylinders shown in 16 to cause theroof plates 120 to be moved into anchoring sitions. Whenever desired allof the va ves shown in Fig. 16 may initially be closed and then eachindividual roof jack ma be operated by openin the valve 129 an the valve125, 126 or 12 ac.

cording to the roof jack to be operated. In the same manner anyindividualroofv ]ack may be released by opening its corresponding valveas well as the valve 131 in the exhaust pipe after closing valve 129 inthe supply pipe. At this time if the individual valves of the roof ropsare kept closed the ressure medium in the corresponding roof Jackcylinder will be confined to roof propping condition. For instance, thevalves 125 and- 126 could be kept closed when the valve 127 is open;then upon closing the valve 129 and opening the valve 131 the ressure inthe cylinder 114 at the right in ig. 16 would vbe relieved and thecorres ondin plunger would descend away from t e roo while the other tworoof jacks remained in anchoring ositions.

In Figs. 17 and 18 have shown spacedapart vertical plates 116', 117secured at their lower ends to the longitudinal U- -shaped base 118.While in Fig. 16 I have y shown only three roof jacks distributed overthe rear half portion of the frame 112, in Fig. 18 I have shown nineroofjacks 113 distributed over the entire length of the frame 112. Thecylinders 114 are secured at 115 to the spaced-apart vertical plates116', 117. The 'pipe 122 may be connected to the bottom of each cylinder114 and while the same system of controlling valves as shown in Fig. 16may be used in Fig. 18

I prefer to operate the hydraulic )acks shown in Fig. 18,simultaneously, because their plungers 119 are pivotally connected attheir upper ends at 132 to the longitudinal rail 133 which is adapted tobear against the roof as shown in Fig. 18.A

he frames 112, 112' as shown in Figs. 16 an 18 are referably inclinedforwardly and rearwardly from oints` midway between the ends of suchrames and the forward inclined edges are preferably connected by thecrossplate 134 shown in Fig. 16,

vtendency to slide forward and not fill the frame 112 between the sideplates 116 and 117. The forward u per inclined surface 134 alsofacilitates t e movement of the frame, 112 together with the roof jack113 to the dotted line osition 135 shown in Fig. 14. Toveifect sucArearward movement of the series'of multiple roof props I have provideda cross rod 136 at the rear end of the base plate 118, this cross rodbeing adapted to be engaged by hook 137 connected to one end of ,thedraft rope 138. In a similar manner the frame 112 shown in Fi 18, isprovided with a rear cross rod 136 to receive the hook 137 connected tothe forward end of the draft rope 138'.

By referring to Fig. 12 it will be seen that when the main entries aredriven in opposite directions from the vertical shaft 141, these mainentries l139 and 140 are extended to the limits 142 and 143 and at thelatter places the subsidin of the roof is controlled by such a series o4multiple roof props as those shown in Figs. 13 to 18 inclusive. Thedotted line squares 144 and 145 in Fig. 12 illustrate the firstpositions of the roof props and the dotted line squares 146, 147, 148and 149 designate successive positions before the positions indicatedbythe full lines 150 and 151 are reached. The full lines 152, 153, 154and 155 illustrate additional series of such roof props as illustratedin Figs. 13 to 18 inclusive. The Spaces designate-d 108, 109, 110 and111, in Fig. 12. have been completely mined of coal and the roofsallowed to subshown at 15o, 151,152, 153, 154 and 155, in

Fig. 12, are relied upon to properly support the roof adjacent to placeswhere the mining operations are continuing.

It will also be seen by referring to Fig. 12 that the space 108 is widerthan the space 110. This is so illustrated because when the first buttentries are produced the tendency is for the roof to be sustained untilit reaches approximtely the width illustrated by the space designated at108. In other words, when the butt entries are first driven thewidthsvthereof will not be suilicient in most instances to cause. theroofs to subside but as soon as the butt entries are of suiiicient widthto cause the` overhead weight to subside the roofs such subsidence maybe definitely controlled by the roof breaking the props illustrated inFigs. 13to 18 inclusive. The dotted lines 156 and 157 indicate a narrowstrip of coal between the body of coal which has been mined and thematerial which has subsided from the roof in the spaces 108 and 109.Such a narrow strip of coal is shown at 158 and also at 159 in Fig. 12because it is believed to be impracticable to attempt to eut into thematerial such as rock and slate which has subsided from the roofs intothe spaces 110 andv By referring to Fig. 13 it will be seen that thetype of multiple roof supporting mechanism shown in Figs. 15 and 16 areplaced alongside of each other in a series across the mine chamberwhereas the type of multiple roof supporting mechanism shown in Figs. 17and 18 is placed close to one of the mine walls so that the longitudinalrail 133 will sustain the adjacent body of coal and preserve the samefrom being crushed by eecting a shearing action of the roof aspredetermined by the position of such rail 133. The type of multipleroof supporting mechanism shown in Figs. d17 and 18 are particularlyadapted to be located at the coal walls at the points indicated at 160,161, 162 and 163 of Fig. 12. It should be particularly noted that themultiple roof supporting mechanism illustrated in Figs. 13 to 18inclusive are provided with comparatively long bases so that thepressure of the roof on the roof supporting mechanism will bedistributed over large areas. It can readily be seen that if a series ofindividual roof props were used, each having a base equal approximatelyto the cross sectional area of a cylinder 114, the roof pressure thereonmight be sufficient to cause such roof props to be projected into thefloor of the mine chamber when such floor happened to be ofcomparatively soft material and the subsidence of the `roof wouldconstantly be soy irregular as to render mining operations ineicient.Moreover, upon the subsidence of the roof,

due to a lack of suflicient floor support, the

heaving of the floor adjacent the roof props having small bases, wouldoften be sufficient to prevent the recovery of the roof propsthemselves, and if the roof subsided entirely such roof props would becompletely buried.

By the use of multi le roof rops each having a ,long narrow rame, antherefore a comparatively large base, a series of such roof prropsarranged as shown in Fig. 13 becomes very effective to sustain the roofwhere desired and thereby control the shearing of the roof immediatelyin front of the closely adjacent roof plates 120. The large floor areaof the series of roof props will enable the latter to sustain the roofeven when the floor is comparatively soft and the over head pressuretending to cause the roof to subside is comparatively great. Theforwardly extending portions of the frame 112 will not interfere withthe control of the subsidence of the roof, as illustrated in Fig. 14,because these forwardly extending portions are inclined downwardly andforwardly at 134. This forwardly extending portion of each multiple roofprop gives the latter an increase in the floor engaging area aisee wheredesired and the inclined rtion relieves the shock and jar of the fallingmaterial and facilitates the movement of the props back to the dottedline position 135, as shown in Fig. 14. In this view the full linepositions of the roof propping mechanism are those to effect the controlof the subsidence of the roof so that the latter will shear along thepredetermined line 164. When it is desired to cause the roof to subsideso that it will shear along the line 165 the position indicated at 135is relied upon. When the roof props are released by means of the valvemechanism illust-rated in Fig. 16, they are preferably drawn rearwardlyby the draft ropes 138 to occupy the spacedapart positions shown at 166in Fig. 13. The pressure on the roof will thus be gradually distributedand gradually changed froin the area at the right hand portion of Fig.14, near the line 164 to that portion of the roof to the left of theli-ne 165. It should be understood that since the tendency for the roofto subside is gradual there will be ample time in which to actuallychange the roof props to their new locations just back of the line 165before the roof or any portion of it comes downafter bein freed by theremoval of the jacks from thelr full line positions in Fig. 14 to theirdotted line positions illustrated at 135. It should be understood,however, that, after the roof jacks have been removed to their newlocations, the latter will resist subsiding of the roof to the left ofthe line 165 but will permit gradual and free subsidence to the right ofthe line 165,.in the manner indicated in Fig. 14, to the right of theline 164. y

In Fig. 19 I have lshown a series of roof props similar to those shownin Fig. 13 but arranged on a diagonal line relative to the coal wall 167so as todirect the subsidence of the roof toward the space 168 where theroof has previously subsided, thereby taking the pressure away from thecoal wall 167 and minimizing the danger of crushing such coal wall orportions thereof when the roof subsides. The dotted line 164 indicates aprevious line of shearing upon subsidence of the roof as controlled bya. previous position of a series of roo-f props, this dotted line 164corresponding' to the shearing line or surface 164 of Fig.- 14. Thedotted line 165 indicates the shearing line or surface as controlled bythe diagonally arranged series of roof props. This line 165 correspondsto the line 165 of Fig. 14. The line 169, in Fig. 19, illustrates thevertical shearing surface of the roof as determined by the rail 133 ofthe coal wall roof prop, illust-rated in 'Figs 17 and 18. The particulararrangement shown inuFig. 19 is direct-ly adaptable to the wall at 162in Fig.y 12, and also at 161. Of course such a diagonal arrangementreversed may also be used at the walls 160 and along th e 172 forlocation at the places indicated at 173.

Obviously those skilledin art may make various changes in' and arrentsof parts witlin't departing from the spirit and scope of my invention asdefined by the claims hereto appended, and I desire, therefore, not tobe restricted to the precise construction herein `While the coal may bemined and loaded in various wa and b the use of variops apparatus, anwhile e system and apparatus herein disclosed may carry out othermethods than that illustrated in Fig. 12, I p refer to. use a mining andloading machine mtermediate the system shown in Fig. 1 and the mechanismfor contro the subsidence of theV roof so that the entire system ofmining by the use of the apparatus herein disclosed ma be carried onwith comparative ra idity an a large volume of coal remov in acomparativelyVV short spa of time thereby being able to use many roofprops 1n the various entries and in the chambers where the coal is beingmined before the sagging roof exerts too great a pressureV on such roofprops. Furthermore, such rapid operations can be eifected before wateraccumulates by seepa If the same output had to be effectefe by handoperations almost entirely, a

entry would have to be so prolonged that not only would the roofs exertundue pressure on the roof props in many instances but there would alsobelikely to be accumula tions of water in such mine chambers. By meansof the system illustrated in Fig. 1, of the accompanying drawings,connected to the mechanism for controlling the subsidence of the roof,by the coal mining and loading machine illustrated inV Fig. 10 or Fig.11, the mining operations illustrated in Fig. 12 may be carried on sorapidly as to assure a large output and also so as to assure efficientoperation because the coal is removed before the roofs have a chance tosubside sulliciently to exert any great pressure on the roof propslocated along the cross entries or butt entries 174, 175, 176 and 177.

lVhat I claim and desire to have protected by Letters Patent of theUnited States, is

I 1. In a system of mining, the combination with a mine track, ofroof-propping mech anism comprising a series of individual roof propsarranged in lateral alinement transversely of the rear end of saidtrack, and mining and loading mechanism for mining material from apillar between said mine Ato'be t many more entries would have to bedriven and the mining operations 1n each track andaworked-out spacethemine and delivering the 'mined' material to mine cars on suchtrack. vY. y

2. In a system of mining, the combination with extensible trackmechanism, ofminin and loading mechanism for mining and loading materialinto mine cars on the forward end of said track after the latter hasbeen extended from time to time durin advancing operations of the miningand oading mechanism, and roof-propping mechanisin beyond the forwardend of the track for controlling the subsidence of the root beyondsuchroof-propping mechanism dur-- ing retreating operations of said miningand loading mechanism.

3. In a retreating system of mining, the

combination with roof-propping mechanism adapted to be gradually shiftedto new lo cations to Vcontrol the subsidence of the root behind suchroof-propping mechanism, of

mining and loading apparatus in advance of such roof-proppingAinechanismin position to operate on a rear workingface of a mine vein,and mine track apparatus for mine cars to receive mined material fromsaid mining and loadin apparatus and adapted retracted om theroof-proppin f mechanism as the latter is advanced towar the mining andloading apparatus. l 4. In a system of mining, the combination with amine track adapted to be extended along a mine entry, of a mining andloading machine adapted to operate on a working face of a mine vein atthe rear portion of said entry and deliver material to mine cars on saidtrack, anda series of roof props extending across the rear end of saidentry and adapted to be advanced gradually to control the subsidence ofthe roof back of such props and protect the space where mining andloading operations. are being carried on.

5. In a system of mining, the 'combination with a series of spaced-apartroof props, of a longitudinal ventilating partition comprisingcorrugated section s adapted to rest against Said roof props, and meansfor securing such sections together in overlapping positions to formsuc-h a partition.

6. In a systemof mining, the combination with a series of spaced-apartroof props, of I-beams adapted to be located between the roof and theupper ends of said roof props, a Ventilating partition .comprisingcorrugated sections adapted to rest against said roof props and abut4against the lower surfaces of said I-beams, means for securing saidsections together in overlapping' positions to span the space betweenthe floor and said I-beams to form such a partition, and additionalplates between the I-beams to lill the spaces between the upper edges ofsaid corrugated partitions and the roof of the mine chamber.

i. In a system of mining, the combination with an extensible ventslatingpartition comprlsmg corrugated sections, of means for securing saidsections in position to form such Ventilating partitions, a carrier fora plurality of said sections, and means for moving said carrier alongsaid mine chamber adjacent the forward end of said partition as thelatter is extended.

8.' In a. system of mining, the combination with extensible trackmechanism, of a magazine connected therewith, said magazine beingadapted to carry a plurality 'of root props for erection at intervals assaid trac-k mechanism is extended, a sectional partition extensible inaccordance with the extensions of said track mechanism, and meansconnected to said magazine for carrying partition sections.

9. In a system of mining, the combination with extensible tracklmechanism comprising a portable frame, of a carrier connected theretoadapted to carry roof 'propping mechanism, a trolley wire r'eel on saidcarrier to pay out a trolley wire when said frame is moved forward, anadditional car.- rier connected to said first-named carrier for carryingpartition sections, and means for securing such sections in overlappingrelation to cooperate with said roof proppingmechanism when the latteris in roof propping position, to form a Ventilating partition extensiblein accordance with the extensions of said track mechanism.

10. In a system of mining, the method which consists in driving an entrythrough the material to be mined, supporting the roof of such entry,mining the material at the forward end of said entry, controlling thesubsidence of the roof in `the space from which the material has beenmined by supporting the roof at predetermined locations 'adjacent theunmined mass, and continuing the mining of the unm-ined mass byretreating operations along one side of said entry toward the beginningof the latter while continuing to gradually shift the line ofroofsupport. f

11. In a system of mining,.the method which consists in mining material.to form a long entry comparatively narrowv in width by advancingoperations, continuing the mining by removing one of the side walls ofthe entry by retreating operations, and during such retreatingoperations supporting the roof in advance of the space where miningoperations are.v being carried on and gradually retreating the line ofroof support to control the subsidence of the roof over the space wherethe material has been mined out.

12. In a system of mining, the combina tion with a series of roofsupports each having a base of a comparatively large area, of

a longitudinal wall rail, and an, additionl roof support for projectingsaid rail against the roof at a Wall adjacent one end of said series ofroof supports.

13. In a system of minin ,the combination with an elongated base rameadapted to rest on and slide over the floor of a mine chamber, of aplurality of spaced-apartroof jacks mounted on said base frame, and aroof-engaging beam connecting the upper ends of said roof jacks tooccupy a position parallel to said base frame.

14. In a system of mining, the combination with a base frame having a.forward downwardly inclined upper surface, of roof-supportin mechanismmounted on said base .frame at t 1e rear portion thereof back of saidinclined surface and comprising a roof-engaging beam, and means forcontrolling the operation of said roof-supporting mechanism.

15. In a system of mining, the combination with a base frame having aforward extension with an upper downwardly incline'd surface, of aplurality of spacedapart hydraulic roof jacks. mounted on said frame inspaced-apart relation on the rear portion thereof back of said inclinedsurface, a longitudinally extending beam connecting the upper ends ofsaid roof jacks and means for controlling the operation of said roofjacks'.

16. In a system of minin the combination with a narrow elongate baseframe, of roof-supporting mechanism mounted thereon and comprising alongitudinally extending beam occupying a position in a vertical planeextending through said base frame, and means for controlling theoperation of said roof-supporting mechanism.

17. In a system of mining, the combination with a narrow elongated baseframe having a comparatively large area adapted to rest on and slideover the loor of a mine chamber to distribute the pressure exerted onsuch frame, of a. roof jack mounted on said frame, and a forwardextension from said base frame having a downwardly inclin'ed uppersurface.

18. In a. system of mining, the combination with an elongated narrowbase frame adapted to rest on and slide over a mine floor, of a roofjack mounted on said frame, and a forward extension from said base frametapering downwardly toward the mine floor in position to receivematerial subsided from the roof of the mine chamber in advance of saidroof jack.

19. In a system of mining, the combination with a long narrow U-shapedchannel iron serving as a base frame, of upwardly extendin `spaced-apartside platessecured to the si es of said channel iron, and roof` tionwith a long narrow base frame, of Spaced-apa rt upwardly extending sideplates secured to said base frame and inclined upwardly from the forwardend of said frame, a cover plate for such forward inclined edges of saidside plates, and roof propping mechanism mounted between said sideplates rearwardly of said cover plate.

21. In a system of mining, the combination with a base frame adapted torest on and slide over a mine floor, of roof jack mechanism mounted onsaid base frame to serve as a roof support in a mine chamber, and anextension from the forward portion of said base frame having an uppersurface inclined downwardly toward the fioor in position to receivematerial subsided from the roof of the mine chamber and adapting saidbase frame to be withdrawn from such subsided material.

22. In a system of mining, the combination with a long narrow baseframetof spaced-apart upwardly extending side lates secured to said baseframe and havlng upper edges inclined upwardlyY from the forward lowerend of sald base frame, a cover Secured to said edges and extending fromthe lower ends of said base plates at the forward end of said base frameupwardly and rearwardly ,to approximately the center of saidV sideplates, a plurality of fluid pressure cylinders mounted on saidbase'frame and secured to said side plates between the latter includingone at the ceni ter, one at the rear and another intermediate,

plungers movable in said cylinders,- roof plates mounted on saidplungers, and means for controlling the fluid pressure on 'saidcylinders to effect the operation of said plungers to move said roofplates against the roof while the pressure is distributed over thecomparatively large area of said base frame.

23. In a system of mining, the combination with a series of individuallong narrow base frames, of upright extensions secured to said baseframes to form upright vertical fiat surfaces adapted to fit againstsimilar surfaces next adjacent in such series, and roof supportingmechanism individually mounted on said baseframes and upright extensionsto form roof breaking apparatus by distributing the pressure over acomparatively large area of said base frame and controlling thesubsidence of the roof along lines predetennined by the positions lofsaid roof supporting mechanism.

24. In a system of mining, the combination with a series of individualsupporting frames having upper surfaces downwardly inclined toward themine floor, of roof propping mechanism mounted on said frames back ofsaid inclined surfaces, and means for operating said roof proppingmechanism to form a break line for the subsidence of the roofiinto thespace above and in front of said inclined surfaces, and means on saidframes for attachment of draft mechanism to secure the withdrawal ofsaid individual supporting frames while said inclined surfaces are slidout from under the subsided material.

25. In a system of mining, the combination with a series of long narrowchannel irons adapted to form a series of base frames, spaced-apart sideplates secured to said base frames to form vertical outer surfacesadapted to it against similar surfaces of the next adjacent in theseries, downwardly and forwardly inclined upper surfaces formed by coverplates'between said side plates, a plurality of spaced-apart uidpressure roof jacks mounted on eacn of said base frames between the sideplates and secured to the latter, and means for controlling theoperation of said roof jacks to form a line of breakage of the roof whenthe latter subsides into the space above and in front of said inclinedsurfaces while the pressure of the roof immediately above the roofropping mechanism is sustained by the distribution of such pressure overthe comparatively large area of said base frames resting on the Hoor ofthe mine chamber.

v26. In a system of mining, the combination with lon narrow individualsupporting frames a apted to rest on the floor of a mine chamber in adiagonal series relatively to an upright wall in a mine chamber, of roofpropping mechanism mounted on said supportin frames, and means foroperating said roo propping mechanism to predetermine a lineof breakageupon the subsidence of the roof over a predetermined space and to causesaid roof subsidence to tend to move the subsiding material away fromsaid upright wall and relieve the pres-V sure on the latter.

27. In a system of mining, the combination with a pair of spaced-apartparallel mine tracks adapted to extend valong a mine entry, of anextensible Ventilating partition comprising detachable and `adjustablesections extending along the mine entry between said mine tracks, across track between the spaced-apart tracks, doors for normallymaintaining the continuity of said partition but permitting cars totravel from one mine track to another over said cross track, and aseries of spaced-apart roof props located between said spaced-apart tparallel tracks in position to support the sections of said extensibleVentilating partition. i

28. In a system of mining, 'the combination of roof propping mechanismcomprising a series of individual roof i rope arranged in lateralalignment exten ing from the solid wallof a mine vein, each of said roofprops comprising elon ated roof and floor shoes adapted to exten incooperation with adjacent looi` and roof shoes over wide areas todistribute the supporting pressure over such wide areas, and anadditional mine wall roof prop comprising longitudinal elongated roofengaging rails adapted to be located at the upper edge of the uprightmine wall.

29. In a system of mining, the comblnation with roof propping mechanismcomprising a series of individual roof props arranged in predetermineddiagonal alignment relative to an upright mine wall, each of said roofprops comprising elongated floor shoes adapted to t against adjacentfloor shoes and cooperate with the latter to form a continuous floorengaging surface extending overa wide area diagonally along such uprightmine wall, and means individual to each of said roof props for effectingthe anchoring and releasing of the same,

30. In a `system of mining, the combination with roof propping mechanismcomprising a narrow elongated ioor engaging shoe, and a plurality ofspaced-apart roof props arranged in a series along said floor slice andeach comprising a roof engaging s 0e.

31. In a system of mining, the combination with a series of individualroof props arranged in lateral alignment from an upright Solid minewall, each of said roof props comprising an elongated door shoe and aseries of spaced-apart roof engaging shoes, and an additional roof propadapted to be located at the solid mme wall and comprising a roofengaging rail extending along the upper edge of thel solid mine wall toassure a break line along such upper edge when subsidence occurs back ofthe first named series of roof props.

32. A method of mining consisting in providing a series of individualroof props in root-propping position extending from the upright solidWall of a mine vein into the mine chamber to provide a predeterminedsubsideme break line` and providing a narrow longitudinal support alongthe upper edge of the mine wall to prevent roof subsidence from crushingthe mineral at the minewall and securing a longitudinal subsidence breakline along the upper edge of suchwall.

33. In a system of mining, the combination with a longitudinalroof-engaging narrow elongated shoe.v of roof jack mechanism foranchoring said shoe at the upper edge of a mine wall to protect thelatter and determine a roof subsidence break line substantially at theupper edge of such mine wall, and a series of individual roof jackmechanisms arranged in a series extending away from the mine wall todetermine a menare roof subsidence break line in continuity with thewall break line.

34. In a system of mining, the combination with a series of roof propseach comprising roof-engaging means and an elongated oor-engaging, shoeextending substantially beyond the roof-engaging means, of alongitudinal wall rail, and an additional roof jack projecting said raila ainst the roof and adjaoentone end of sai roof props, said railextending over the full length of the floor-engaging shoe.

35. In a system of mining, the combination with a series of roof propseach comprising an elongated floor shoe adapted to cooperate withadjacent door shoes to extend over a wide area diagonally from anupright solid mine wall, and an additional roof-propping devicecomprisin an elongated roof-engaging shoe exten ing alon the upper edgeof the upright mine wall the full length of the floor engaging shoe topredetermine a line of roof supportv against the tendency of the roof tosubside and confine such subsidence to a predetermined area at one sideof such series of roof props and diagonally from said upright mine wall.l

36. In a system of mining, the combination with roof propping mechanismcomprising a series of individual roof rops arranged in diagonalalignment re ative to a mine wall, each of said roof props comprising abase of comparatively large area, and an additional mine wall root` propcomprising a longitudinal rail to serve as a roof engaging shoe at theupper edge of the upright mine wall adjacent one end of such series ofroof props.

37,-In a system of mining, the combination with a series of roof propsarranged in lateral alignment and each comprising floor androof-engaging mechanism, of elongated extensions of said floor engagingmechanism with the space, above said extensions free and unobstructedfor the subsidence of the roof, and an additional roof prop having anelongated roof engaging shoe adapted to engage the upper edge of a solidmine vein to protect the upright mine wall and confine the roofsubsidence laterally of said roof shoe in the space above saidextensions.

38. In a system of mining, the combination with a series of roof propseach comprising an elongated floor shoe and a plurality of spaced-apartroof shoes distributed along said floor shoe, of elongated extensionsfor said Hoor shoes with the space above said extensions free andunobstructed for the subsidence of the roof, and an additional root propcomprising an elongated floor shoe and elongated roof shoe each'of alength approximately equal to the combined length of one4 of said floorshoes and its extension, and adapted to be located at the lll) tion witha series of roof props arranged in lateral alignment and each comprisingfloor and roof shoes, of elongated extensions for the floor shoes, theupper surfaces of said extensions being inclined downwardly away fromsaid roof props and the space above said inclined surfaces being freeand unobstructed for the subsidence of the roof, and an additional roofprop having an elongated roof shoe at the upright solid mine vein andextending along t e end extension of the series to protect the solidmine wall and con;

tine subsidence of the roof to one side of said additional roof prop andto the space above said inclined surfaces.

40. In a system of mining, the combination with an elongatedbase frameadapted to rest on and slide over a mine floor and provided withvertical spaced-apart outer plane walls in parallelism with eachother,

of a plurality of roof 'acks spaced apart along said base frame orarrangement in` tandem, and means comprising valve mechanism on saidbase frame back of the series of roof jacks for controllin each of thelatter in anchoring and releaslng the same independently of each other.

41. In a system of mining, the combination with an elongated base frameadapted to rest on and slide over a mine floor and having verticalspaced-apart outer plane walls in parallelism, of a pluralit of roofjacks mounted thereon in tanvem, and means for controlling the operationof said roof jacks individually.

42. In a system of mining, the combination with a narrow elongated baseframe having parallel spacedapart outer plane walls and a Hat planebottom, of a plurality of spaced-apart hydraulic roof jacks mounted onsaid frame in spaced-apart relation and in tandem, and means connectedto said roof jacks for controlling the actuation and release thereofindividually.

43. In a systemfof mining, the combination with a narrow elongated baseframe rigid throughout and having outer walls adapted to slide alongadjacent elongated frames rectilinearly, of roof-supporting mechanismmounted on such narrow elongated base frame and comprising parts `movable relatively to said rigid base frame, and means for controlling theoperation of said roof-supporting mechanism. u

44. In a system of mining, the combination with an elongated base framehaving a comparatively large area adapted to rest. on the floor-of amine chamber to distribute the pressure exerted on said frame, of aforward downwardly inclined extension from said 39. In a system ofmining, the combina-v base frame, and fluid pressure operated` mechanismon said base frame back of said extension in position to engage the roofto support the same.

45. In a system of mining, the combination with an elongated rigid baseframe adapted to move overa mine Hoor, of a plurality of spacedfap'arthydraulic roof jacks mounted on said frame in tandem, and

'means comprisingvalve mechanism mounted on said frame at the rear endthereof to control each of said roof fjacks independently of the others.

46. In a system of mining, the combinatlon with an elongated base frame,adapted to move over a mine ioor and provided with outer jspaced-apartwalls adapted to fit in sllding engagement with adjacent elongatedframes, of a plurality of roof jacks spaced apart along said base frameVfor arran ment in tandem, and means comprising vaIi mechanism on saidbase frame for controlling the operation of said roof jacksindependently of each other.

47. In a system of mining, the combination with an elongated base frameadapted tomove over a mine floor and having s acedapart outer wallsextending in par lelism to each other, of a plurality of roof jacksmounted 'on said frame between said walls and arranged in tandem, andmeans for controlling the operation of said roof jacks.

48. In a system of mining, thecombination with a narrow elongated baseframe having spaced-apart outer walls, of a plurality of spaced-apart`hydraulic roof jacks mounted on said frame in spaced-apart relation andin tandem between said walls, and means connected to said roof jacks forcontrollin the actuation and release thereof.

49. n a system of mining, the combination with a narrow elongated baseframe rigid throughout and having outer walls a apted to slide alongadjacent elongated frames rectilinearly, of roof-supporting mechanismmounted on such narrow elongated ba-se frame between said walls, andmeans for controlling the operation of said roof-supporting mechanism.

50. In a system of mining, the combination with an elongated base frameadapted 52. In a system of mining, the combination withl a plurality ofroof props arranged in lateral a inement. to form a line of roofsupportat the rear end of a main entry in f a mine, of another series ofroof props arranged in lateral alinement at the rear ends of a plurah'tyof butt entries extending from said main entry, and means for mining thewere? pillars between said main entry and said second treatingoperations toward sai main entry.

In testimony whereof I haveJ signed m name to this specification on this17th .day of December A. D. 1919.

EDMUND C. MORGAN.

named series of roof (props b y re- 10 I

